Hospitalized Oregon Man Likely Suffering From Plague

A man hospitalized in Bend is likely suffering from the plague, marking the fifth case in Oregon since 1995, the Oregonian reported.

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June 15, 2012

BEND, Ore. — A man hospitalized in Bend is likely suffering from the plague, marking the fifth case in Oregon since 1995, the Oregonian reported.

The unidentified man, who is in his 50s, fell ill several days after being bitten while trying to get a mouse away from a stray cat. The man is now being treated at St. Charles Medical Center-Bend, where he was listed in critical condition on Tuesday.

The man, who lives in rural Crook County, was bitten Saturday, June 2. He developed a fever a few days later. By Friday, June 8, he was so sick that he checked himself into St. Charles Medical Center-Redmond. He was later transferred to the larger facility in Bend.

Karen Yeargain, communicable disease coordinator with Crook County Health Department, said lab tests are being done to confirm whether the man has the plague, but she said he is suffering from classic symptoms.